Renowned American trumpeter, composer, and music educator Allen Vizzutti joined student musicians at Frontier Central High School for a Guest Artist concert that served as a major showcase for the school's music department.

The performance featured collaborative sets with Frontier’s Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble. Vizzutti, a celebrated virtuoso whose career includes performing on more than 150 motion picture soundtracks, such as Back to the Future and Star Trek as well as collaborating with legends like Chick Corea and Woody Herman, shared the stage with the high schoolers following a series of educational workshops.

Ahead of the performance, Vizzutti discussed the impact of music education, the science behind student success in the arts, and his impressions of the Frontier Central music program.

A 'Safe Space' in the Band Room

Vizzutti, who learned the trumpet from his father and won his first major concerto competition at age 16, has dedicated a significant portion of his career to working with student musicians. He noted that interacting with high school ensembles provides a tangible value that benefits both the students and the community.

"The experience here has been wonderful," Vizzutti said. "The value of what we're doing becomes very tactile, meaning we talk about music, we perform music together, which is very personal. Keeping music in your life as a young person... is hugely helpful to one's own being and creativity and happiness, but also for those around you that get to hear you play".

Vizzutti emphasized the broader cognitive and social benefits of maintaining music programs in public schools, pointing to scientific research linking instrumental performance to advanced brain activity. Rather than pushing every student to pursue music professionally, Vizzutti advocates for the life skills built through regular practice and ensemble participation.

"It applies to all aspects of life, including careers," Vizzutti said, noting that juggling rehearsals and academic demands teaches essential time management.

Beyond academics, Vizzutti pointed out that the music department acts as a social equalizer within the high school environment.

"In a high school, for instance, there's almost a caste system—the athletes, the cool kids and the kids who are really smart," Vizzutti said. "In music, it's all a safe space in the band room, and they have cross-cultural experiences that I think have lifelong value".

Showcasing the Frontier Music Program

The collaborative concert program was designed with a diverse, accessible selection of repertoire. Vizzutti praised the preparation of the Frontier students and credited the faculty for fostering a strong program.

"The Frontier students have sounded very good, and they're fun to listen to," Vizzutti said. "The literature we're playing at the concert... is very interesting, very palatable, and a lot of variety".

He added that the foundation of the high school's success rests on its teaching staff. "The Frontier School music program has got great educators, which is the foundation of it, and the students are enthusiastic and seemingly quite happy," Vizzutti said, adding that the program ranks in the "upper tier" of student ensembles.

Looking ahead, Vizzutti expressed optimism regarding the development of the district's arts infrastructure, noting his anticipation for the upcoming future plans to establish the high school's dedicated music and arts hub. 

You can watch the concert here: 🎥 Guest Artist Concert with Allen Vizzutti